Barack Obama wasn't present, and so far, there are no plans for him to visit Rochester. But that didn't affect the enthusiasm for him at his supporters' first Rochester fundraiser, held at Nathaniel's Pub last week. Over loud music from the bar, people talked about Obama with almost devoted fascination.

Local Obama representative Monica Leubner said she wants to remind voters that they still have a choice.

"Just because New York is Senator Clinton's home state, it's wrong to assume she has it sewn up," Leubner said. "We still have a role to play, and there are many people who want to vote Democratic but are not comfortable with Mrs. Clinton."

Nationally, the Oboma '08 campaign has raised an impressive amount of money, much of it through low-donation turnouts like the one at Nathaniel's. There is no embarrassment over $20 contributions. About 40 people, most of whom were white and over 40, attended the event, which raised more than $600.

"We don't set a dollar amount," said Leubner. "It's whatever people want to give. That's one of Barack's biggest issues: including everyone in the political process."

Two elected city officials have already announced their support for Obama - City Councilmember Adam McFadden and School Board member Tom Brennan. McFadden met Obama in February.

"The fact that it took the federal government five days to get water to people after Hurricane Katrina really left a big impression on me," said McFadden. "I think he has a better understanding of the real issues everyday, working Americans are facing. And he has been consistently against this war, and that is another huge thing with me. We can't have a person in there who will become indecisive under political pressure, which is a concern I have with Senator Clinton."

Pittsford resident David Austin sat with his wife and friends having a beer and popcorn while six TV screens played Obama campaign messages. One compared supporting Obama to joining a national movement. Another said Obama is the only candidate who represents real political change. Both themes resonated with Austin.

"He is truly a breath of fresh air," said Austin. "I don't dislike Senator Clinton, but I fear it will be more of the same if she is elected."

Lack of experience, the criticism most often directed at Obama, doesn't dissuade Austin.

"We can see what all of the Bush-Chaney experience got us," Austin said. "I don't think it's a fair criticism. We've had young leaders before that had to make some pretty serious decisions for the first time. I think it's more important that he has the ability to draw this country together behind whatever decisions he has to make. And that's something he does really well."

The next local Obama '08 event will be a September Walk-a-thon, said Leubner; the date and location haven't been determined. Information is available from the local Obama website.